News Summary

H-E-B has unveiled the finalists for its 12th annual Quest for Texas Best competition, highlighting local entrepreneurs and Texas-made products. With $100,000 in cash prizes available, over 370 contestants from nearly 150 cities competed for a chance to have their products on H-E-B store shelves. Notable finalists include Klein Smokehaus Fine Quality Meats and The Lavish Goat, showcasing the creativity and innovation of Texas businesses. The competition culminates in a presentation event where judges will select the top products.

San Antonio Shines as H-E-B Unveils Finalists for the Quest for Texas Best Competition

That’s right, folks, it’s that time of year again! H-E-B, our beloved Texas grocery giant, has just revealed the top contenders in its 12th annual Quest for Texas Best competition. This exciting contest is all about showcasing the best Texas-made products, giving a platform for local entrepreneurs to shine. With a whopping $100,000 in cash prizes up for grabs, the stakes are as high as the Texas sky!

A Little Background on the Quest

The Quest for Texas Best isn’t just another competition; it’s a celebration of creativity and innovation. This year, over 370 talented entrepreneurs from nearly 150 Texas cities have thrown their hats into the ring, hoping to be recognized for their top-notch goods. Whether it’s scrumptious meats, zesty spices, or unique sweets, the variety is truly impressive! The selected finalists will have their products stocked on H-E-B store shelves across the state, making it a fantastic opportunity for exposure.

On September 25, these finalists will gather in San Antonio to present their products to a panel of judges carefully picked by H-E-B. The judges will have the tough task of determining the top four winning products from this outstanding lineup.

Let’s Meet Some Finalists!

Among the exciting finalists is Klein Smokehaus Fine Quality Meats, renowned for its mouthwatering Oak Smoked Bacon. Established all the way back in July 1950 by the Waldeck family, this Boerne-based business is co-owned by Clayton Klein and Colton Sells. Talk about keeping it in the family!

Another standout is The Lavish Goat, a women-led, minority-owned bath and body company hailing from Sugar Land. Founded during the pandemic by Candice and Sean Wheat, The Lavish Goat is making waves with its unique menthol-infused shower steamers that promise to elevate any bathroom routine.

Both of these businesses reflect the heart and soul of Texas entrepreneurship, showcasing the diverse talents that the Lone Star State has to offer.

Prize Breakdown

Now, let’s talk money! The competition isn’t just about bragging rights. Here’s the scoop on how the cash prizes will be distributed:

$50,000 for the grand prize winner, who will earn the coveted title of “Texas Best”!
$25,000 for first place – a nice chunk of change to help grow the business.
$15,000 for second place – because we all know that every little bit helps!
$10,000 for third place – a perfect incentive to continue crafting those fantastic products!

The excitement doesn’t end here! Since its inception, the Quest for Texas Best has celebrated over 1,000 local products and distributed nearly $2.75 million in prize money. These figures truly illustrate H-E-B’s commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs by providing them with valuable resources, exposure, and mentoring.

A Wrap-Up of the Fun

With the competition heating up, the finalists are gearing up for a day of showcasing their amazing products. You can sense the excitement in the air as the judges prepare to make their decisions. Be sure to keep an eye out for these innovative products on H-E-B shelves soon. The Quest for Texas Best isn’t just a competition; it’s a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that makes Texas such a dynamic and diverse place to live.

So get ready to support your local businesses! After all, that’s what being a proud Texan is all about—celebrating creativity, innovation, and a sense of community. Get those taste buds ready, folks; Texas-made goodness is on the horizon!

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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

H-E-B Reveals Finalists for Quest for Texas Best Competition